‘It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown’: How to Watch the Peanuts Halloween Special for Free in 2024

'It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown' will stream for free this year on Apple TV+ -- but for two days only.

Spooky season is here, which means it’s time to revisit some Halloween classics. For some people, that might mean binging their favorite horror movies, whether that’s The Exorcist, A Nightmare on Elm Street, or Rosemary’s Baby.

But what if you’re not in the mood for something scary or creepy? Fortunately, there are plenty of non-so-frightening Halloween movies and specials to choose from. One of the most beloved is It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. For decades, the 1966 animated special aired annually on TV every October. But for the past few years, the Peanuts special has only been available to stream. That pattern continues in 2024. But you will still be able to watch it for free – keep reading to find out how.

‘It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown’ streams for free on Apple TV+

In 2018, Apple scooped up the rights to It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, and A Charlie Brown Christmas. For a few years, it struck a deal with PBS that brought the specials to broadcast TV every year. But that ended in 2022, which means that now the only way to watch Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy, and the rest of the gang is via Apple’s streaming service.

Fortunately, Apple decided not to throw rocks in everyone’s trick-or-treat bucket. While Apple TV+ subscribers can watch the specials anytime, they are also available to stream for free for non-subscribers during a limited window leading up to each holiday.

In 2024, It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown will stream for free for two days only. On Saturday, Oct. 19, and Sunday, Oct. 20, non-subscribers can watch as Linus patiently waits for the arrival of the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown deals with a disappointing candy haul, and Snoopy stalks his nemesis, the Red Baron.

When to watch the other Peanuts holiday specials for free

Both the Peanuts Thanksgiving and Christmas specials will also be available to stream for free for a brief time on Apple TV+.

You can watch A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving for free on Saturday, Nov. 23, and Sunday, Nov. 24.

A Charlie Brown Christmas streams for free on Saturday, Dec. 14, and Sunday, Dec. 15.

Apple TV+ is also the streaming home of other Peanuts holiday specials, including Happy New Year, Charlie Brown, Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown, and It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown.

Want to ensure you’ll be able to watch your favorite Peanuts specials every year without having to sign up for a streaming service? It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown and other specials are available on DVD from Amazon and other retailers.

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